Trainee Pay Rate Restored for Jersey Apprentices

Trainee Wage Reinstated for Jersey Apprentices

Jersey’s government is reintroducing a trainee wage, allowing businesses to pay apprentices at a lower rate than the minimum wage.

Since the lower rate was scrapped in 2023, employers have been required to pay apprentices the full minimum wage of £13 per hour. The government says the move to bring back trainee rates will help firms take on more apprentices and create skilled job opportunities.

A recent survey by the Jersey Chamber of Commerce found that around 70% of 79 businesses said paying the full minimum wage to trainees made them less likely to hire apprentices.

Under the new structure, effective from September, first-year trainees will earn £10.50 an hour and second-year trainees £11.75. Those already in training will continue to receive £13.

The Chamber welcomed the change, saying it would ease financial pressure on small businesses and encourage them to offer entry-level roles to young people and those without experience.

Chamber president described Jersey as “built on talent” and said the change would strengthen local industries, boost the economy, and help retain young workers.

Minister for Social Security, Deputy Lyndsay Feltham, said the key difference this time was the introduction of clear guidelines for both employers and employees. She stressed the importance of workers knowing their rights and understanding the training opportunities available, adding that employers needed to offer competitive packages to attract staff.